On January 8, Granma International [3]headlined "Intellectuals of the world in solidarity with Chavez," saying:

"THE Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity Network has joined peoples and individuals desiring the prompt and total recovery of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez."

Thousands from over 90 countries gave "a fraternal embrace to the revolutionary people of Venezuela and expresses their most heartfelt solidarity, in the profound confidence that President Chávez will overcome all his difficulties."

Hermanos Saiz Association President Luis Morlote read the message. Cuban Union of Writers and Artists President Miguel Barnet said its purpose is to let Chavez know he's "not alone and to send him a breadth of optimism and energy from all the peoples of Latin America and the world."

"It also serves to refute the malign campaign unleashed by the extreme and recalcitrant right of Venezuela and many other countries in relation to Chavez’s state of health and the future of Venezuela and Latin America."

Barnet called him "the author of a project for the renovation of our socialism."

On January 9, Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice postponed Chavez's January 10 inauguration. An unspecified later date will be named.

He "remained on his sickbed in Cuba." Postponing an inauguration is "a first in Venezuelan history." It "laid bare the gravity of Chavez's condition after complications from a fourth cancer operation."

Reuters demeaned Maduro. It called him "a former bus driver who shares his boss' radical socialist views."

It said "opposition leaders are furious." They claim "Cuban-inspired manipulation of the constitution."

Chavez "has a cult-like appeal." He "pump(s) oil revenue into welfare projects." Opponents claim he "squandered" it on "misguided policies."

It's grown faster than public sector initiatives. Before 2008's financial crisis, bankers profited hugely. They said they were "having a party."

They're doing well again now. Chavez prioritizes lifting all boats. He's mainly concerned about helping those most disadvantaged.

Venezuela is polar opposite America and European countries. Austerity is a dirty word. Social justice takes precedence. Right-wing ideologues want unchallenged wealth, power and privilege. Popular needs go begging.

Venezuelans deplore social injustice. If asked, they'll contest for what's right. They're not about to sacrifice cherished benefits. They shame how political Washington treats Americans.

On January 9, The New York Times[5] headlined "Chavez, or at Least His Sash Is Set for Venezuela Inauguration," saying:

Chavez dominated Venezuela for years, it said. His "health crisis and the decision to proceed on Thursday with a quasi-presidential inauguration that he is unable to attend are producing a stream of bizarre developments and national angst about who is in charge."

Newsmax[8] is ideologically on the right-wing lunatic fringe. Christopher Ruddy runs it. Supportive investors include former CIA director William Casey's family members and billionaire Richard Mellon Scaife.

On January 8, it headlined "Reich: Castro Brothers Will Control Venezuela After Chavez."

Reich is an undicted war criminal. He was implicated in the Iran-Contra scandal. He was Reagan's Venezuelan ambassador. He was GW Bush's Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere affairs.

His deplorable record was so contentious, it took a recess appointment to install him. Doing so avoided congressional opposition.

Signs point "to an imminent exit for the Venezuelan leader who controls a huge part of the world's oil."

Venezuela indeed is oil rich. The rest of IBD's diatribe was pure propaganda.

On January 9, Bloomberg[12] headlined "Commandante Chavez Won't Give Up Power Before Ghost," saying:

Venezuela's Supreme Court reinterpreted constitutional law. It did so to justify postponing Chavez's inauguration. It'll have a harder time doing it if he dies.

"That doesn't preclude the possibility for constitutional hanky-panky, of course. The best insurance against that possibility is for Venezuela's neighbors….to insist the country abide by its constitution. Time is running out, Commandante!"

Doing it substitutes for responsible journalism. Scoundrels are paid to lie. They abhor what reliable journalists do - their job.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book is titled "Banker Occupation: Waging Financial War on Humanity."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.